Best restaurants to visit this holiday season

Union Rooftop Restaurant
Bartender Ben Anderson pours a PersianPussyCat, a cocktail flavored with pomegranate gin, orange, vanilla and rose, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 at Union Rooftop Restaurant's bar in downtown Minneapolis.
MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson

Rick Nelson, restaurant critic and food writer for the Star Tribune, is back on The Daily Circuit Thursday, Dec. 13 to talk about places to eat, drink and be merry this month.

We'll talk about the new restaurants he's recommending and good restaurants for holiday celebrations. We'll also talk about the classic places to visit over the holidays.

In a recent piece, Nelson recommended checking out Union, a new restaurant and bar in downtown Minneapolis:

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There's talent aplenty at Union. First up: Architects Shea Inc., for converting a down-in-the-dumps eyesore into a multi-floor dining and drinking magnet, including a wowser of a rooftop venue. Second: Chef Jim Christiansen's something-for-everyone menu (scallops with roasted cauliflower, pumpkin-filled ravioli, bacon-infused doughnut holes). Third: Johnny Michaels' lushly colorful cocktails.

READ MORE ABOUT LOCAL RESTAURANTS:

Check, Please: Fun new spots to try (Star Tribune)

Best new restaurants (Minnesota Monthly)

Nightingale sings sweet melody (Star Tribune)

Too Early Review: World Street Kitchen (Mpls.St. Paul Magazine)